Online EdD in Organizational Leadership: Artificial Intelligence

Overview

What Is an EdD in Organizational Leadership: Artificial Intelligence?

A Doctor of Education (EdD) in Organizational Leadership: Artificial Intelligence is a doctoral degree that explores the intersection of organizational leadership, organizational effectiveness and emerging AI technologies. The program examines how AI can be strategically and ethically implemented within organizations while helping learners develop advanced leadership and research skills.

Learners study areas such as leadership theory, organizational behavior, human-AI collaboration and qualitative research methods. Through qualitative research, they can develop skills in designing research studies, collecting and analyzing data and conducting scholarly inquiry and dissertation research. Graduates may be prepared to apply their leadership and research skills to organizational transformation, AI implementation and data-informed decision-making in education, business and other organizational settings.

Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership: Artificial Intelligence (Qualitative Research)

Offered By

College of Doctoral Studies

Class Settings

Online

Tuition Rate

Online: $760 per credit [More Info]

Cost of Attendance

Course Information

Credits: 60

Online: 8 weeks

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Transfer Credits

Up to 9 doctoral credits

Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer

What To Expect

What Can You Expect From an EdD in Organizational Leadership: AI?

In an EdD in Organizational Leadership: Artificial Intelligence program, you can expect doctoral-level coursework focused on leadership and AI, qualitative research and dissertation development. You will examine how to frame an enterprise AI opportunity, govern it, build durable capability, and measure its impact. All while developing skills in evaluating leadership challenges, conducting scholarly research and using research to inform organizational decision-making.

Consistent with GCU’s Christian worldview and mission, the program also encourages learners to approach leadership with purpose, integrity and a commitment to serving others.

EdD in Organizational Leadership: AI Degree Experience

Complete Your EdD Coursework Online

This doctoral program is offered online,^{(See disclaimer 1)} allowing you to complete coursework while balancing professional and personal responsibilities. Through our online learning platform, you can engage with doctoral coursework, collaborate with faculty and peers and develop research skills in an online learning environment.

Online Learning

Coursework

What Will I Study in an EdD in Organizational Leadership: Artificial Intelligence Program?

This EdD in Organizational Leadership: Artificial Intelligence combines leadership theory, organizational research and emerging AI applications. Throughout the program, you will examine AI-enabled transformation strategies, explore ethical and responsible technology implementation, and develop qualitative research expertise. Coursework is designed to help you evaluate complex organizational challenges, support transformational change and contribute new knowledge through doctoral-level research and dissertation work.

Core Topics in an EdD in Organizational Leadership: AI Program

Coursework explores artificial intelligence, leadership, organizational change, ethical decision-making and qualitative research while supporting learners through the dissertation process.

Key areas of study include:

AI foundations

Decode AI systems, audit their failures and bias, and defend an ethical position.

Human-AI collaboration

Explore how leaders can approach the integration of AI into organizational workflows, assess team AI readiness, and lead people into AI-enhanced roles.

Strategic leadership

Study strategic planning, organizational change and decision-making in the context of new technologies and organizational needs.

Ethical stewardship

Examine ethical leadership principles, responsible AI implementation and the societal implications of technology-driven decisions.

Qualitative research

Develop skills in qualitative research design, data collection and analysis to investigate complex organizational questions.

Dissertation development

Progress through doctoral residencies and dissertation milestones while conducting original research related to organizational leadership.

Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research in Organizational Leadership

Qualitative research focuses on understanding experiences, perspectives and meanings, while quantitative research focuses on measuring variables and analyzing numerical data. This EdD emphasis uses a qualitative research approach to investigate topics related to organizational leadership and artificial intelligence.

The table below highlights key differences between qualitative and quantitative research. You can also explore GCU’s doctoral research methods resources to learn more about research methodologies used in doctoral study.

Prefer a quantitative research approach? Explore the EdD in Organizational Leadership: Artificial Intelligence (Quantitative Research) to learn more about the alternative research methodology.

Qualitative Research

Quantitative Research

Research Focus

Explores experiences, perspectives and meanings

Measures variables and examines patterns, relationships or hypotheses

Type of Data

Primarily non-numerical information

Primarily numerical data

Common Questions

Often explores questions such as “how?” and “why?”

Often examines questions such as “how much?”, “how many?” or relationships between variables

Analysis

Identifies and interprets themes and patterns

Uses statistical analysis to examine patterns and relationships

Outlook

What Can You Do With an EdD in Organizational Leadership: Artificial Intelligence?

Graduates of an EdD in Organizational Leadership: Artificial Intelligence may apply their knowledge of organizational leadership, artificial intelligence, change management and qualitative research across business, education, nonprofit, consulting and other organizational settings. This doctoral education can support professionals seeking to deepen their expertise in leading organizational change, evaluating the organizational implications of AI and moving from an AI user to an AI leader.

Potential career opportunities that may benefit from this doctoral education include:

Postsecondary education administrator

Support colleges and universities through academic program oversight, student services coordination, policy implementation and institutional operations management.

K-12 education administrator

Lead elementary and secondary schools through instructional leadership, staff development, AI implementation, student support and school operations management.

$104,590

Median annual wage for postsecondary education administrators in May 2025^{(See disclaimer 2)}

2%

Estimated growth for postsecondary education administrators expected from 2025 to 2035^{(See disclaimer 3)}

Cost & Savings

Doctorate in Organizational Leadership: AI Tuition Information

Planning for your education is an important step, and GCU offers resources to help you understand tuition costs and available savings opportunities. As you explore organizational leadership degrees online,^{(See disclaimer 1)} you may have access to options such as scholarships, grants and other forms of financial assistance. By reviewing these opportunities, you can make more informed decisions about how to invest in your future while working toward your academic goals.

Explore Online Tuition

Ways To Save

Your education is an important financial investment, and there are several ways to help manage costs while earning your degree. GCU’s university counselors are available to help you explore available options and provide personalized guidance on your estimated cost of attendance.

Apply for Financial Aid

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually to determine eligibility for federal grants and student loans. Since some aid is awarded on a first‑come, first‑served basis, GCU recommends submitting the FAFSA as early as possible after Oct. 1 to maximize funding opportunities.

Financial Aid

Transfer Your Credits

If you’ve earned college credits from another institution, you may be able to complete your degree sooner at GCU by transferring those credits. Submit the Lopes Unofficial Credit Evaluation form, then connect with a university counselor who can provide you with personalized guidance.

Transfer Center

Scholarships & Grants

You may be able to reduce your college costs by applying for GCU’s on-campus or online student scholarships. We invite you to explore available institutional scholarships and determine which opportunities you may be eligible for. GCU also encourages students to seek out third‑party scholarships and grants.

Find Scholarships

Explore Your Financial Options

Connect with a university counselor to learn more about tuition, cost-planning resources and available options.

Request More Info

FAQ

EdD in Organizational Leadership: Artificial Intelligence FAQs

Find answers to common questions about qualitative research, artificial intelligence, organizational leadership and the doctoral learning experience.

What research skills can I develop in an EdD in Organizational Leadership: AI program?

You can develop skills in literature review, qualitative research design, research-question development, data collection, qualitative data analysis, scholarly literature evaluation and identifying themes and patterns. These skills can support dissertation development and help you investigate complex organizational leadership questions, including the role and implications of artificial intelligence within organizational settings.

Through qualitative research, you may learn to evaluate scholarly sources, formulate meaningful research questions and analyze data to identify themes and patterns. These competencies can be applied to the study of leadership, organizational effectiveness and other complex organizational issues.

How does artificial intelligence apply to organizational leadership?

Artificial intelligence can support organizational leadership by helping leaders analyze information, identify patterns and inform decision-making. As organizations adopt AI technologies, leaders may evaluate where AI can support organizational goals while managing change and considering the ethical and workforce implications of its use.

Organizational leaders can also help establish guidelines for responsible AI use and consider how employees and AI technologies interact within organizational processes. This leadership perspective can help organizations approach AI adoption in ways that account for strategic priorities, organizational needs and the people affected by technology-related decisions.

How can leaders implement artificial intelligence within an organization?

Leaders can implement artificial intelligence by identifying organizational needs, evaluating appropriate AI applications, establishing governance and ethical guidelines, preparing employees for adoption and monitoring outcomes. Organizations may begin by determining where AI can provide value and assessing potential tools and applications in relation to organizational goals.

During implementation, leaders can support employee training, manage organizational change and encourage collaboration among leadership, technology teams and employees. By monitoring outcomes and adjusting initiatives as organizational needs evolve, leaders can support the responsible and strategic use of AI.

What is an EdD in Organizational Leadership?

An EdD in Organizational Leadership is a doctoral degree that examines leadership theory, organizational effectiveness, organizational change and research. Learners can develop research and leadership skills for examining complex organizational challenges across a variety of professional settings.

The EdD in Organizational Leadership provides doctoral study in leadership, organizational change and research for professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of organizations and leadership. Learners can explore available emphasis areas to focus their doctoral studies on specific leadership and organizational topics.

How is qualitative research used in organizational leadership?

Qualitative research is used in organizational leadership to examine how people experience and respond to leadership practices, organizational change and workplace culture. Qualitative researchers may collect and analyze non-numerical data from sources such as interviews, observations and open-ended responses to examine employee perspectives, leadership behaviors and organizational processes.

These findings can provide context for understanding complex organizational challenges and help inform leadership and organizational decision-making.

Admission

What Are the Admission Requirements for an EdD in Organizational Leadership: AI?

Doctoral applicants may qualify for admission to GCU with a completed master’s or doctoral degree from an approved, accredited college and by meeting either the minimum GPA requirement or certain specifications. Admission criteria may vary by degree or program. Please review the requirements for your chosen program.

How To Apply to GCU

You can apply to a degree program at GCU in just three simple steps. Your university counselor is standing by to assist you with any questions about the application process.

It starts with selecting the program that aligns with your goals from one of GCU's 380+ academic programs — from undergraduate degrees to post-master’s certificate programs to doctoral degrees.

Pick your program

Explore our on-campus, online or evening cohort options under the Degree Programs page to find the right program for you.

Complete our online application

Your university counselor will direct you to the online application. Fill in all required information and submit the form.

Submit supporting documents

Submit your official transcripts and any relevant test scores, and confirm with your university counselor that all forms for your desired program are submitted.

Courses

Program Curriculum

Core Courses

RES-815

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This course introduces doctoral learners to the principle elements of research, scholarly writing, and effective argumentation. Learners are made aware of the dispositions and expectations of doctoral researchers as well as the University’s overarching values and beliefs regarding research and the responsibility of scholars to contribute new knowledge to their respective fields of study. Learners begin the process of identifying a researchable dissertation topic and are acquainted with appropriate scholarly resources that support the development of the dissertation.

RES-820A

3 Total Credits

Course Description

In this course, learners are introduced to the critical reading of scholarly qualitative and quantitative literature at the doctoral level. Learners also explore the concept of synthesizing the scholarly literature to identify problems and problem spaces that emerge to form a researchable topic of study. The application of scholarly argumentation from the extant literature to defend the need for a research study is discussed.

LDR-800

3 Total Credits

AIA-812

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This course introduces core artificial intelligence concepts, capabilities, and limitations with an emphasis on applications in organizational settings. Students examine responsible AI through ethical frameworks addressing bias, fairness, and transparency, while also analyzing privacy, data governance, and security considerations in professional practice. This course develops ethical reasoning skills through real-world AI dilemmas, helping students balance innovation with human dignity and institutional values.

RES-831

3 Total Credits

Course Description

In this course, learners are introduced to key components of qualitative and quantitative research designs and the means to critically appraise the application of research designs as observed in the scholarly literature. The University's core research designs are presented. Consideration is given to the initial selection and defense of a research design to address a problem that emerged from the extant literature.

RSD-851

3 Total Credits

RES-832

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This course provides an introduction to the sampling, data collection, and data analysis methods employed in qualitative and quantitative research designs. Learners explore the alignment of sampling, data collection, and data analysis methods to the research topic, research questions, and research design. The course positions learners to select qualitative or quantitative designs for their dissertation studies. Prerequisite: RES-831.

AIA-817

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This course examines how organizations can effectively combine human judgment with AI capabilities to improve decision-making, productivity, and outcomes. Students design collaborative workflows, assess organizational readiness, and develop strategies to build trust, address resistance, and foster inclusive stakeholder participation in AI-augmented processes. Emphasis is placed on leading change management for AI-enhanced roles and determining when human oversight must override AI recommendations in high-stakes contexts.

AIA-822

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This course prepares students to implement AI-driven solutions to authentic problems of practice and to lead digital transformation initiatives aligned with an organization’s mission and strategic goals. Students apply evaluation frameworks to measure implementation effectiveness while developing approaches to scale and sustain AI innovations. The course culminates in a synthesis of learning that supports and reinforces a personal and ethical vision for applying AI Leadership to attain desired organizational outcomes.

RES-841

3 Total Credits

RES-843

3 Total Credits

Course Description

In this course, learners differentiate the epistemological foundations and explore the data trustworthiness, research ethics, and potential for bias in descriptive, case study, and phenomenology research designs. The process of building a rationale for design choice and aligning the research questions, interview questions, problem statement, and purpose statement is addressed. Sources of qualitative data are introduced for each design, and ethical aspects of research are discussed. Prerequisite: RES-841.

LDR-825

3 Total Credits

LDR-804

3 Total Credits

RSD-883

3 Total Credits

AIA-827

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This course explores how leaders can leverage AI-generated insights to strengthen strategic planning and organizational decision-making. Students critically evaluate the validity, reliability, and limitations of AI-produced analyses and recommendations while developing AI literacy that supports distributed, data-informed leadership. The course emphasizes values-based judgment and transparent communication, preparing students to balance algorithmic guidance with human wisdom and contextual knowledge.

DIS-955

3 Total Credits

RES-873

3 Total Credits

Course Description

In this course, learners explore qualitative data collection techniques and sources of qualitative data in the context of answering the research questions posed by a study. Consideration is given to the recognition of data saturation and the management of data. Learners continue to work with their respective dissertation chairs to prepare a written statement of data collection, and management activities. Prerequisites: RES-843 and one of the following: DBA-955 or DIS-955 or DHA-955 or PSY-955 or PCE-955 or TLC-955.

DIS-960

3 Total Credits

RES-883

3 Total Credits

Course Description

In this course, learners focus on the interpretation of qualitative data to produce written research findings, results, and implications. Learners continue to work with their respective dissertation chairs and apply information from this course to move ahead in the dissertation process. Prerequisites: RES-873 and one of the following: DBA-960 or DIS-960 or DHA-960 or PSY-960 or PCE-960 or TLC-960.

DIS-965

3 Total Credits

Continuation Courses

The course identified above represent the minimum academic course requirements only. Most students will also need to take one or more of the following Research Continuation Courses to complete a dissertation. Research Continuation Courses are 3-credit courses charged at the standard doctoral per credit rate.

DIS-966E

3 Total Credits

DIS-967E

3 Total Credits

DIS-968E

3 Total Credits

DIS-969E

3 Total Credits

DIS-970E

3 Total Credits

DIS-971E

3 Total Credits

DIS-972E

3 Total Credits

DIS-973E

3 Total Credits

DIS-974E

3 Total Credits

GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change

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Advance Your Leadership With an EdD Focused on AI

Build advanced skills in organizational leadership, AI strategy, responsible technology implementation and qualitative research to support organizational change.

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Program has residencies that take place on or near GCU's campus.
The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Postsecondary Education Administrators, as of May 2025, retrieved September 2026. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as general and operations managers, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
Data shown is effective August 2026, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Postsecondary Education Administrators, retrieved September 2026.

Approved and verified accurate by the Dean of the College of Doctoral Studies on Oct. 22, 2026.

Online EdD in Organizational Leadership: Artificial Intelligence

What Is an EdD in Organizational Leadership: Artificial Intelligence?

What Can You Expect From an EdD in Organizational Leadership: AI?

EdD in Organizational Leadership: AI Degree Experience

Complete Your EdD Coursework Online

Earn Your EdD From an Accredited University

Doctoral Research and Dissertation Resources

What Will I Study in an EdD in Organizational Leadership: Artificial Intelligence Program?

Core Topics in an EdD in Organizational Leadership: AI Program

Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research in Organizational Leadership

What Can You Do With an EdD in Organizational Leadership: Artificial Intelligence?

Doctorate in Organizational Leadership: AI Tuition Information

Ways To Save

EdD in Organizational Leadership: Artificial Intelligence FAQs

What Are the Admission Requirements for an EdD in Organizational Leadership: AI?

Program Curriculum

Core Courses

Continuation Courses

How To Cite AI in APA, MLA and Chicago Style

How Future Teachers Can Use AI Without Losing the Human Touch

Online EdD in Organizational Leadership: Artificial Intelligence

What Is an EdD in Organizational Leadership: Artificial Intelligence?

What Can You Expect From an EdD in Organizational Leadership: AI?

EdD in Organizational Leadership: AI Degree Experience

Complete Your EdD Coursework Online

Earn Your EdD From an Accredited University

Doctoral Research and Dissertation Resources

What Will I Study in an EdD in Organizational Leadership: Artificial Intelligence Program?

Core Topics in an EdD in Organizational Leadership: AI Program

Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research in Organizational Leadership

What Can You Do With an EdD in Organizational Leadership: Artificial Intelligence?

Doctorate in Organizational Leadership: AI Tuition Information

Ways To Save

EdD in Organizational Leadership: Artificial Intelligence FAQs

What Are the Admission Requirements for an EdD in Organizational Leadership: AI?

Program Curriculum

Core Courses

Continuation Courses

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